US Department of Labor inspectors found a Cleveland bakeware manufacturer failed to prevent 2 workers from suffering injuries that resulted in amputations, injuries that could have been avoided.
What Happened?
OSHA investigated 2 incidents that led to the amputations. G&S Metal Products Co. did not equip their machines with adequate guarding and failed to:
- Establish proper lockout/tagout procedures
- And provide effective employee training in machine safety
The first incident occurred on June 25, 2024, when a 37 year old worker sustained an amputation injury while operating a power press. The press unexpectedly cycled while the worker was servicing the machine. This exposed the operator to hazardous moving parts. It was determined by inspectors that the press’s pullbacks were not properly secured.
Two weeks later, on July 11, 2024, a 64 year old worker suffered an amputation while clearing scrap from a mechanical power press. The worker had only been on the job for 4 months. The die on the machine closed with no warning, leading to the injury. Investigators found the machine lacked adequate guarding and was not locked out prior to maintenance.
OSHA cited G&S Metal Products Company Inc. for 1 willful and 5 serious violations. OSHA assessed $182,293 in proposed penalties.
Preventing The Violation
According to OSHA, machines and equipment must be locked out prior to performing maintenance. Lockout Tagout procedures reduce the risk of accidental start-ups during maintenance routines.
To help prevent violations like this:
- Regularly inspect equipment to ensure they are in good working condition
- Use locks and tags to prevent accidental start-ups
- Provide or receive safety training including safe maintenance procedures
- And provide or receive training on Lockout Tagout
Resources
OSHA provides multiple resources for Lockout Tagout safety.
JJ Safety provides safety meetings and online safety training for Lockout Tagout.